Sony To Announce UK PS3 Price Cut On Thursday?
US gets price drop, 80Gb model on the way
The US 80Gb PS3 bundle.
Following Sony's price cut for the PS3 in the US, the European wing of the company has told SPOnG that it will be making an announcement with regard to local PS3 pricing this coming Thursday, July 12th.
On May 22nd this year, Sony told everybody, "...currently there are no plans to change current hardware offerings [in North America]."
Today, however, Sony has cut the price of the U.S. price of the PS3 by $100 (£50), and has confirmed that as of August an 80Gb version of the console will be available with a copy of MotorStorm bundled in.
SPOnG asked Sony when we can expect a similar move in the UK and was told by a representative, “I can't comment on that, but we're going to make an announcement on Thursday morning.”
Sony's US announcements will effectively mean that the 60Gb PS3 occupies the market position previously held by the 20Gb model at the $499 (£250) mark, with the 80Gb retailing at $599 (£300) – the old price of the 60Gb model.
It's possible that a UK PS3 price drop may seem underwhelming to some. If it's in line with the US price cut it will mean that Sony's recommended retail price for the 60Gb PS3 drops from £425 to £375, but retailers such as GameStation already sell the console at £399 bundled with a single game.
Commenting on the price cut and new 80Gb version, Jack Tretton, president and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA), said, “As we move into the next phase of PS3, it’s important that we continue to evaluate our product line, offering consumers the technology and features that meet their growing needs for new forms of media and the way in which it is delivered. The introduction of the 80GB PS3, the new pricing for the current 60GB model, the availability of more than 100 new software titles this fiscal year and, finally, the expansion of services for PlayStation Network, will provide even more options for users and will help bring new consumers into the PS3 fold.”
"Our initial expectation is that sales should double at a minimum", Tretton told Reuters. "We've gotten our production issues behind us on the PlayStation 3, reaching a position to pass on the savings to consumers, and our attitude is the sooner the better," he added.
Sony's own announcement tells us “By featuring an expanded hard disk drive (HDD), the new 80GB PS3 is designed to appeal to the online gaming and entertainment enthusiast, providing ample storage space to download more games and other entertainment content from PlayStation Network.”
As SPOnG also reported on May 22nd 2007, South Koreans have already received the 80Gb version with deals being made with local broadcasters to provide a video on demand (VOD) to the units. These broadcasters were said to be Hanaro Telecom and KT . A spokesman for the former told the world's press, "We are negotiating with Sony and the atmosphere is pretty good. We hope we will be able to reach an agreement in June."
Therefore, it's more than a fair bet that Sony U.S.'s announcement regarding “other entertainment” and "the expansion of services for PlayStation Network" can be read as “movies”. Could an E3 announcement be on the way? We'll let you know.
In related news, Marks & Spencer appears to have thrown its lot in with Sony, with the PS3 and PSP being the only game hardware and software lines the UK retail giant is carrying.
On May 22nd this year, Sony told everybody, "...currently there are no plans to change current hardware offerings [in North America]."
Today, however, Sony has cut the price of the U.S. price of the PS3 by $100 (£50), and has confirmed that as of August an 80Gb version of the console will be available with a copy of MotorStorm bundled in.
SPOnG asked Sony when we can expect a similar move in the UK and was told by a representative, “I can't comment on that, but we're going to make an announcement on Thursday morning.”
Sony's US announcements will effectively mean that the 60Gb PS3 occupies the market position previously held by the 20Gb model at the $499 (£250) mark, with the 80Gb retailing at $599 (£300) – the old price of the 60Gb model.
It's possible that a UK PS3 price drop may seem underwhelming to some. If it's in line with the US price cut it will mean that Sony's recommended retail price for the 60Gb PS3 drops from £425 to £375, but retailers such as GameStation already sell the console at £399 bundled with a single game.
Commenting on the price cut and new 80Gb version, Jack Tretton, president and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA), said, “As we move into the next phase of PS3, it’s important that we continue to evaluate our product line, offering consumers the technology and features that meet their growing needs for new forms of media and the way in which it is delivered. The introduction of the 80GB PS3, the new pricing for the current 60GB model, the availability of more than 100 new software titles this fiscal year and, finally, the expansion of services for PlayStation Network, will provide even more options for users and will help bring new consumers into the PS3 fold.”
"Our initial expectation is that sales should double at a minimum", Tretton told Reuters. "We've gotten our production issues behind us on the PlayStation 3, reaching a position to pass on the savings to consumers, and our attitude is the sooner the better," he added.
Sony's own announcement tells us “By featuring an expanded hard disk drive (HDD), the new 80GB PS3 is designed to appeal to the online gaming and entertainment enthusiast, providing ample storage space to download more games and other entertainment content from PlayStation Network.”
As SPOnG also reported on May 22nd 2007, South Koreans have already received the 80Gb version with deals being made with local broadcasters to provide a video on demand (VOD) to the units. These broadcasters were said to be Hanaro Telecom and KT . A spokesman for the former told the world's press, "We are negotiating with Sony and the atmosphere is pretty good. We hope we will be able to reach an agreement in June."
Therefore, it's more than a fair bet that Sony U.S.'s announcement regarding “other entertainment” and "the expansion of services for PlayStation Network" can be read as “movies”. Could an E3 announcement be on the way? We'll let you know.
In related news, Marks & Spencer appears to have thrown its lot in with Sony, with the PS3 and PSP being the only game hardware and software lines the UK retail giant is carrying.
Read More Like This
Comments
ultimateassmonkey 9 Jul 2007 09:48
1/15
I still love the fact that we Brits pay roughly double (two 20gig versions) for one 60 gig version.
I mean, with a 20gig, you can upgrade the hdd. You could also with the 60gig version.
Anyway, my point is that we're getting ripped off compared to America and Asia... But because we have "money to burn" we're stupid enough to pay this much for the system.
Come on people!! 400 smackers?! I see the price dropping around £25 if anything.
I mean, with a 20gig, you can upgrade the hdd. You could also with the 60gig version.
Anyway, my point is that we're getting ripped off compared to America and Asia... But because we have "money to burn" we're stupid enough to pay this much for the system.
Come on people!! 400 smackers?! I see the price dropping around £25 if anything.
Joji 9 Jul 2007 12:28
2/15
Hey, being smart with my money is exactly why I'm not buying a PS3 yet. These changes are good but its still too much. £300, then it will move. PS3 might start to move but the games are the problem now, that was always the real problem.
I happy with my 360 at the moment, I need a lot of reasons to spend more again on ps3. Not enough of them at the moment.
I happy with my 360 at the moment, I need a lot of reasons to spend more again on ps3. Not enough of them at the moment.
more comments below our sponsor's message
deleted 9 Jul 2007 14:06
3/15
a price cut 3 months after launch have that ever happened before? surly sony must recognise that the cost of the console is a tad bit expensive and that is effecting sales, i myself will get one once the price is acceptable but to lower it to £375 is still ridiculous as the americans are paying i could understand shipping costs Vat and all that but still we should be paying at max £50 more than the yanks, £300 is good price to start at but theres not a chance in hell they will knock 125 off, how about they give us a 20gb unit at £300??
DoctorDee 9 Jul 2007 14:28
4/15
Joji wrote:
I happy with my 360 at the moment, I need a lot of reasons to spend more again on ps3. Not enough of them at the moment.
A PS3 80GB with Motorstorm for £350 would be enough to get me to put my hand in my pocket.
tyrion 9 Jul 2007 14:44
5/15
DoctorDee wrote:
A PS3 80GB with Motorstorm for £350 would be enough to get me to put my hand in my pocket.
That's a little optimistic for now, I'd have thought, tempting though it would be for so many people.
Since Sony seem to be following the "USD = EUR -> GBP + a bit" formula, I'd say £350-360 for the 60GB and £425 for the 80GB. If we even get the 80GB here, apparently UK retail was really happy with the one SKU approach Sony took with the PS3.
deleted 9 Jul 2007 14:46
6/15
tyrion wrote:
I'd say £350-360 for the 60GB and £425 for the 80GB. If we even get the 80GB here,
£65 extra for 20gb!!! a bit steep. lol
DoctorDee 9 Jul 2007 14:57
7/15
tyrion wrote:
That's a little optimistic for now, I'd have thought, tempting though it would be for so many people.
But it's what they need to do. Anything less will have negligible effect.
If we even get the 80GB here, apparently UK retail was really happy with the one SKU approach Sony took with the PS3.
80GB drives today are cheaper than 60GB were when the PS3 went on sale. If Sony don't release the 80GB in the UK, that will cost them sales too... no one wants to know that they are getting an inferior model.
The only sane thing they can do is reduce the 80GB to well under £400 - anything else won't save them.
deleted 9 Jul 2007 15:04
8/15
DoctorDee wrote:
no one wants to know that they are getting an inferior model.
yes but i may have the reverse effect what about the loyalty of the early adoptors, they will have 60GB unit while all newcomers not only get a cheaper price but a better overall system, again could make bad publicity.
DoctorDee 9 Jul 2007 15:08
9/15
haritori wrote:
yes but i may have the reverse effect what about the loyalty of the early adoptors,
Early adopters know and expect to see specification improvements and price drops. It's the real price they pay for bragging rights.
hollywooda 9 Jul 2007 15:09
10/15
This may sound crazy but i know what might help sell some PS3's!....... how about you gets some f**king games out for it?, because funnily enough it's games that will sell a games console. yer the price is high but havent we got past that argument?.. A price cut wont make the PS3 anymore apealing to me, i'd be paying 50 less for something to still sit there collecting dust.?!?!.....
Karuti 9 Jul 2007 15:55
11/15
haritori wrote:
a price cut 3 months after launch have that ever happened before?
Xbox got a UK (Euro?) price cut a little over a month after it was released
headcasephil 9 Jul 2007 21:17
12/15
hollywooda wrote:
This may sound crazy but i know what might help sell some PS3's!....... how about you gets some f**king games out for it?, because funnily enough it's games that will sell a games console. yer the price is high but havent we got past that argument?.. A price cut wont make the PS3 anymore apealing to me, i'd be paying 50 less for something to still sit there collecting dust.?!?!.....
yes but that wont be for long as org/Sep there are lots of games coming out.
i am happy but f off with the price drop that is happening i got mine on launch well pleased about it got the games i wonted the games that were a must have motostorm rfom and f1 but there has not been much since that bare fear r6v so the price cut will happen means more people will be able to get one but wat about the early adopters we will not get anything to say thank you like all xbox owners did
headcasephil 10 Jul 2007 16:29
13/15
just found this wich might intrest you all
(According to Michael Ephraim, Managing Director of Sony Computer Entertainment in Australia, the PAL PS3 system will be receiving approximately a 17% price cut. The official announcement may be made as early as July 12, 2007. This could be the best news out of Australia since the Crocodile Dundee movies were released.
This reduction would bring the cost of the PAL PS3 down to $829.00.)
(According to Michael Ephraim, Managing Director of Sony Computer Entertainment in Australia, the PAL PS3 system will be receiving approximately a 17% price cut. The official announcement may be made as early as July 12, 2007. This could be the best news out of Australia since the Crocodile Dundee movies were released.
This reduction would bring the cost of the PAL PS3 down to $829.00.)
Tomoko 11 Jul 2007 08:01
14/15
No way, no price drop, nothing, nothing, nothing!
100% sure!
100% sure!
Joji 11 Jul 2007 12:40
15/15
If it's not £100, people will never bite. They need to move and do this before the September xmas rush shortly begins (just as PS3 games start to get a regular flow). Thursday sounds to me like Sony are waiting for MS to play their hand price wise, which might be why MS said nothing about the Elite's euro price in their conference.
A gaming stacato of cat and mouse, indeed.
A gaming stacato of cat and mouse, indeed.